Overview

Cliques, Phonies, & Other Baloney by Trevor Romain

Cliques can make you sick. If you’re on the outside, you’re treated like dirt. And if you’re on the inside, you have to follow the rules. Who needs more rules at school? Written for every kid who has ever felt excluded or trapped by a clique, this book blends humor with practical advice as it tackles a serious subject. Trevor Romain starts by explaining what cliques are and why they exist: because everyone wants to have friends. He reveals why some cliques are so annoying—and often full of phonies. And he shares the secret to being popular: just be yourself! Trevor knows how to get through to kids. As readers smile at his cartoons and laugh at his jokes, they’ll also be learning skills they need to make and keep friends—real friends, not people who pretend to be cool. They’ll discover that some supposedly “popular” kids are lonely and miserable inside. And they’ll pick up important self-esteem tips that will help them feel good about themselves (because there’s no need to let a bad clique spoil a perfectly good day). Part of the Bully Free Kids™ line

About the Author

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

Read an Excerpt

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

First Chapter

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

Table of Contents

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

Reading Group Guide

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

Interviews

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

Recipe

When Trevor Romain was 12, his teacher told him he wasn’t talented enough to do art. By accident, he found out 20 years later that he could draw. Since that lucky day, he has written and illustrated more than 50 books for children. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been published in 18 different languages. Trevor also travels to schools, hospitals, summer camps, and military bases throughout the world, delivering stand-up comedy with inspirational self-help messages to hundreds of thousands of school-age children.

Editorial Reviews

“Reassuring and humorous…. A solid purchase.”—School Library Journal

Parent Council® Selection

From the Publisher

Romain takes a serious look at cliques, friendships, popularity and phonies. He tackles these very important issues with a touch of humor, and readers will enjoy the easy comic style and illustrations. Other topics of great interest to preadolescents include, the clique myth, how to spot a phony, polishing people skills, and do's and don'ts for making friends. Some typical pointers include saying hi to others first, complimenting others, and the admonition to not stay inside all day watching TV.

Children's Literature - Sue Reichard

Gr 3-8-Youngsters who are sometimes victimized by their peers will appreciate this reassuring and humorous treatment of cliques versus friendship groups, phonies versus real friends, and popularity versus being popular with yourself. Romain defines these concepts, provides examples, and explores commonly held myths about them. With a sense of ease and lighthearted humor (sometimes bordering on the truly silly), the author serves up solid advice in friendly, reassuring prose, often using slang words, such as "Duh!" and "barfed." The book's expressive black-and-white cartoons, open layout, and easy-to-read text will appeal to reluctant readers. A solid purchase.-Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA

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